Departments: Reviews

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many Gateway reviews were undertaken by her Department in each of the last five years.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Department for Transport was formed in summer of 2002. Information on DFT projects is only held from that point-in-time.
	The Department for Transport can confirm that the following number of Gateway Reviews have been carried out since summer 2002:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2002 110 
			 2003 31 
			 2004 65 
			 2005 53 
			 2006 68 
			 2007 251 
			 (1) Summer to end of the year(  2) To 6 September 2007.

Highways Agency: Finance

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much has been spent on each of the 21 projects listed currently as on hold on the Highways Agency website.

Jim Fitzpatrick: holding answer 10 September 2007
	The 21 projects listed as "on hold" on the Highways Agency website comprise eight major schemes which were being prepared to enter the Government's national roads programme and 13 route management strategies
	The major schemes and their respective expenditure are as follows:
	
		
			   £ million 
			  Project  Spend to date 
			 A1 Adderstone to Belford dualling 0.696 
			 A1 Morpeth to Felton dualling 4.126 
			   
			 A66 Penrith to Temple Sowerby  
			 A66 Appleby to Brough  
			 A66 Temple Sowerby to Appleby 0.732 
			 A66 dualling Bowes Bypass  
			 A66 dualling Cross Lanes to Greta Bridge  
			 A66 dualling Stephen Bank to Carkin Moor 0.583 
			   
			 Grand total for A66 schemes 1.315 
		
	
	Following the regional funding allocations (RFA) announcement in July 2006, the above schemes were not prioritised for funding by the relevant regions.
	The remaining 13 listed as on hold are studies known as route management strategies (RMS's). The strategies were intended to develop route based plans for future investment in the maintenance, operation and improvement of the network. With the growing emphasis on regional planning, transport decisions are linked to regional objectives and priorities. In response to this the Highways Agency is developing its forward planning on a regional basis through the recent publication of the regional network reports (RNRs) available on the Highway Agency website. A total of £301,712 has been spent on RMS's.

Education Maintenance Allowance: Tamworth

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many students in Tamworth claimed education allowance in each year since it was introduced, broken down by ward of residence.

Jim Knight: This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), who operate the education maintenance allowance (EMA) for the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and hold the information about take-up and payments under the scheme. Mark Haysom, the Council's Chief Executive has written to my hon. Friend with the information requested and a copy of his reply will be placed in the House Library.
	 Letter from Mark Haysom, dated 20 July 2007:
	I am writing in response to your Parliamentary Question 148792 that asked; "How many students in Tamworth claimed education allowance in each year since it was introduced, broken down by ward of residence."
	Information on the number of young people who have applied, enrolled and received education maintenance allowance (EMA) is available at local authority level, but not at ward level. EMA take-up is defined as young people who have received one or more EMA payments in the academic year.
	EMA take-up for Staffordshire local authority area during each academic year since inception is as follows:
	2004/05—3,632
	2005/06—6,393
	2006/07—7,803 (to end of June)
	EMA Take-up data showing the number of young people who have received one or more EMA payments during 2004/05,2005/06 and to date in 2006/07 is now also available on the LSC website, at the following address:
	http://www.lsc.gov.uk/providers/Data/statistics/learner/EMA_take_up.htm
	I hope you find this information useful.

Pre-school Education

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what research he has commissioned into the effectiveness of  (a) state pre-school education and  (b) privately funded pre-school provision in raising pupil attainment in the short and long term.

Jim Knight: To assess the benefits of funded early education, delivered in a wide range of maintained and private, voluntary and independent settings, my Department commissioned the Effective Pre-school and Primary Education 3-11 (EPPE 3-11) study. This study, which began in 1997, followed 3,000 children from the age of three to the end of Key Stage 2 (at age 11) and will continue to do so until the end of Key Stage 3 at age 14. So far, the study has demonstrated that children who attend pre-school are better prepared for school, have better cognitive and social development at age six and seven (Key Stage 1), with benefits strongest for those who attended high quality pre-school for a longer duration. It has also shown high quality pre-school experience continues to have a positive impact on children's all round development at age 10.
	The EPPE study has also shown it is the quality, rather than ownership of pre-school provision that is most important for improving children's attainment and that while good quality provision is found across all sectors the maintained sector provides the highest quality provision overall. We want to see quality improve across all types of pre-school provision, and we have reflected this aim in draft statutory guidance to local authorities on the duty in the Childcare Act 2006 to improve outcomes for all children and reduce inequalities between them. The guidance requires local authorities actively to engage with the Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) sector to improve quality. We have also provided dedicated resource (through the Transformation Fund between 2006-08 and the Graduate Leader Fund from 2008-09) to support the development of graduate leadership in the PVI sector, focusing on full day care settings.
	Finally, my Department has also commissioned a number of evaluation studies that will continue to explore the relationship between different types of pre-school provision and child development outcomes including the National Evaluation of Sure Start, a study of child care quality experienced by children in the Millennium Cohort Study, and an evaluation of free child care provision for disadvantaged two years. Findings from these studies will be published by the Department later in 2008.

Primary Education: Languages

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many and what percentage of state primary schools in England offer teaching in a modern foreign language other than French.

Jim Knight: There is no national data available on the total number of primary schools offering modern foreign languages. However, in the autumn term of 2006, the National Foundation for Educational Research carried out research on the Department's behalf, based on a nationally representative sample of 8,000 primary schools in England. The response rate was 48 per cent. The results showed that 81 per cent. of schools were providing primary languages within class time. As it was recognised that schools already delivering primary languages might be more likely to respond, date was collected from all schools within a representative sub-sample of 500 schools from the original 8,000 primary schools. The results showed that 70 per cent. of schools in this sub-sample were providing primary languages within class time.
	Figures for which languages were provided are available only for the larger sample. Of the 3,336 schools in the survey that were teaching primary languages in class time, 91 per cent. of these schools offered French. Other languages were offered by the following proportions of schools in this sample. Percentages do not add up to 100 per cent. as some schools offer two or more languages:
	
		
			  Languages offered at KS2 in primary schools in England 
			   Percentage 
			 Spanish 25 
			 German 12 
			 Italian 4 
			 Chinese 1 
			 Japanese 1 
			 Urdu 1 
			 Other languages 4 
			 No response 1

Government: Procurement

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what criteria are used to determine whether to use  (a) preferred suppliers or  (b) reverse auctions in Government procurement projects; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government do not have preferred suppliers. The Government's policy is that public procurement decisions are to be based on value for money. Public procurers must also adhere to EU procurement rules, based on principles of non-discrimination, transparency and competitive procurement. Within this legal and policy framework, it is possible to set up framework agreements, with particular suppliers, following an appropriate competitive exercise in line with EU rules.
	E-auctions (or reverse auctions) are just one of a number of procedures and techniques available to public procurers under the public procurement rules. It is ultimately for contracting authorities to decide which procurement approach, including the use of e-auctions, is appropriate on a case-by-case basis, taking into account their obligations to deliver the best value for money for the taxpayer.
	The Government are determined to improve public procurement as set out in 'Transforming Government Procurement', published in January this year. It defines the vision for an improved Government procurement service, has led to the establishment of departmental procurement capability reviews and has led to the introduction of a new major projects review group in Treasury.

Government: Procurement

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he plans to increase the use of reverse auctions as a procurement mechanism for Government  (a) projects and  (b) supplies; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: I have been asked to reply.
	Government Departments are responsible for choosing the procurement procedures and techniques they consider most appropriate, including electronic (reverse) auctions, taking into account their obligations to achieve value for money for the taxpayer.
	Many procurements are subject to the requirements of the EU procurement rules. These include specific requirements for the setting up and running of e-auctions. The Government have put in place a framework agreement to enable public authorities to choose providers to run e-auctions for them, consistent with those rules.
	The Government are determined to improve public procurement as set out in 'Transforming Government Procurement', published in January this year. It defines the vision for an improved Government procurement service, has led to the establishment of departmental procurement capability reviews and led to the introduction of a new major projects review group in Treasury.

Office of the Third Sector

Andrew Love: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will undertake an assessment of the attributes of successful social enterprise models; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Hope: The Government's Social Enterprise Action Plan, published in November 2006, recognised the need for further research on social enterprises. The Office of the Third Sector is currently engaging with academic organisation, the Social Enterprise Coalition, and other third sector partners to design an appropriate programme of original and useful research which is reflective of the needs of the sector as well as Government.

Offices: Deputy Prime Minister

Francis Maude: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what use will be made of the former Deputy Prime Minister's offices.

Gillian Merron: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker) on 12 July 2007,  Official Report, column 1641W.

Departments: Correspondence

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many letters he and his predecessors sent in each of the last five years.

Peter Hain: Before 2006 the Wales Office systems recorded total correspondence sent, but without details of sender. Information for that period could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	In 2006 I sent 383 letters.
	The Wales Office publishes correspondence statistics in its annual report and to the Cabinet Office for the annual report to Parliament.

Sudan: Peace Keeping Operations

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs following the UN Security Council's passing of Resolution 1769, authorising the deployment of 26,000 peacekeepers to Darfur,  (a) what discussions he has had with his counterparts in other countries,  (b) when these discussions were held,  (c) what actions have been taken to date and  (d) what future actions are planned to ensure the success of the mission.

Jim Murphy: The UK is working closely with both the African Union (AU) and the UN to support the effective deployment of the AU-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). We are in regular contact with the UN's Department for Peacekeeping Operations, which is responsible for generating the forces required. At their request, we have lobbied widely for UN member states to provide the necessary capabilities. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and my noble Friend the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, Lord Malloch-Brown, have been in contact with several existing and potential troop contributors. Lord Malloch-Brown is currently visiting Sudan where he is raising the need for speedy deployment of the force with the Sudanese Government.
	At a meeting with the AU and UN on 7 September in Addis Ababa, the UK pressed for speedy deployments and effective integration of partner support to the AU Mission into UNAMID. We are also providing planning support to the mission. We will continue to work closely with the AU, UN and international partners to support its successful deployment.

Fuel Poverty

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what steps he is taking to ensure that the cost of gas and electricity is affordable to fuel-poor households; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: BERR continues to work with the industry, OFGEM, Energywatch and voluntary sector to ensure that fuel poor households are aware of, and take advantage of, the significant reductions that can be made in energy bills by transferring supplier, using the cheapest and simplest payment methods, installing energy efficiency measures and accessing Government and industry social and fuel poverty programmes.
	In the Energy White Paper, we welcomed initiatives announced by energy companies that help their vulnerable customers to cope with high prices, and we continue to encourage more companies to take action in this area. We see the provision of assistance to help their most vulnerable customers as a key part of each company's corporate social responsibility programmes, and will be looking for each company to put in place a proportional programme of assistance.

Natural Gas: Billing

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what the average annual domestic gas bill for a typical consumer in  (a) Cheltenham constituency and  (b) each region was in each year since 1998.

Malcolm Wicks: Average domestic gas bills are published for the 12 local distribution zones in Great Britain. Cheltenham is contained in the West Midlands region, the average bill for this region will be representative of the average price for households in Cheltenham. The data presented is for standard credit customers in cash terms, it has not been adjusted for inflation.
	
		
			  Average annual domestic gas bill 
			   1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			 East Midlands 316 303 292 290 309 312 331 383 473 
			 Eastern 318 305 296 291 309 321 332 383 474 
			 London 318 305 295 293 309 320 334 388 480 
			 North East 309 304 294 290 309 318 332 385 474 
			 North West 314 304 295 294 309 317 330 383 474 
			 Northern 315 301 290 292 312 319 333 380 468 
			 Scotland 313 307 297 294 311 320 332 384 469 
			 South East 314 305 296 295 311 324 333 387 478 
			 South West 312 306 299 297 312 322 334 389 478 
			 Southern 316 307 299 296 311 322 336 390 472 
			 Wales 313 297 291 291 306 318 335 391 460 
			 West Midlands 317 307 297 296 313 324 333 389 480

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many UK military personnel have lost limbs during operations in  (a) Afghanistan and  (b) Iraq.

Des Browne: holding answer 10 September 2007
	The Complex Rehabilitation and Amputee Unit (CRAU) at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), at Headley Court in Surrey became fully operational on 1 June 2006. Since that date and 6 September 2007, it has treated 24 casualties from Iraq and 12 from Afghanistan.
	Prior to 1 June 2006, comprehensive information on the number of military personnel who have suffered amputations as a result of wounds received on active service was not held centrally. To provide this information would require the examination of the individual medical records of each patient who has been classified as very seriously injured or seriously injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. These records can only be viewed for non-clinical reasons with the express consent of each individual concerned, to protect patient confidentiality.

Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether a Government official responded to the attribution by BBC Newsnight of remarks during its programme on 8 August about the provenance of weapons used against the United Kingdom's and coalition forces in Iraq to a Government official; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: holding answer 10 September 2007
	An official from the MOD contacted BBC Newsnight following the report.

Military Aircraft: Helicopters

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many helicopters there are in the UK armed services, broken down by  (a) type and  (b) role; and how many helicopters in the UK armed services are (i) out of service due to reduced readiness and (ii) mothballed.

Bob Ainsworth: holding answer 10 September 2007
	 The following table sets out the number of helicopters in the UK armed forces broken down by type and role as at 4 September 2007. Aircraft that are out of service due to reduced readiness has been taken to mean aircraft in the Depth Fleet, that is, aircraft on scheduled routine maintenance, repair and upgrade programmes. Mothballed has been taken to mean aircraft placed in storage in a flying or 'near flying' condition. The fleet sizes quoted cover those aircraft expected to be flown and does not include some aircraft that are currently classified as redundant or un-repairable.
	
		
			  Helicopter type  Helicopter role  Fleet size  In depth fleet (as part of fleet size)  In storage (as part of fleet size 
			 Agusta A109A/AM Light multi-role 4 0 0 
			 Apache AH MK1 Attack helicopter 67 18 0 
			 Chinook Mk 2/2a Heavy lift 40 13 0 
			 Gazelle Mk 1(1) Light utility/reconnaissance 73 19 0 
			 Lynx Mk 3/Mk 8 Anti-submarine & anti small surface craft 64 20 0 
			 Lynx Mk 7/9 Multi role light utility (lift, reconnaissance, casualty evacuation) 99 33 7 
			 Merlin Mk 1 Anti-submarine & anti surface warfare 39 11 0 
			 Merlin Mk 3 Battlefield support helicopter 22 8 0 
			 Puma Mk 1 Battlefield helicopter 38 13 0 
			 Sea King Mk 3/3a Search and Rescue (SAR) 25 8 0 
			 Sea King Mk 4 Commando 37 8 0 
			 Sea King Mk 5 Helicopter utility (HU) 16 5 0 
			 Sea King Mk 6CR Commando 5 1 2 
			 Sea King Mk 7 Airborne surveillance and control (ASAC) 13 4 0 
			 (1 )Gazelle is being progressively removed from service. In addition to the figures provided above there are a number of Gazelle which although in storage have been cannibalised and are not in a flying or 'near flying' condition. 
		
	
	In addition to the aircraft in the table there are 14 Sea King Mk 6's which have been removed from service having gone beyond their out of service date and are not in a flying or 'near flying' condition.
	Also the MOD has acquired six Danish Merlin aircraft that are currently in the process of being modified to theatre entry specification. There are also eight Chinook Mk3 helicopters currently being converted to a support helicopter role.
	In addition to the aircraft above the Department contracts for commercially owned but military registered helicopters and the following table shows those broken down by type and role as at 4 September 2007. These aircraft are on availability contracts and are not owned by the Department.
	
		
			  Helicopter type  Fleet size  Helicopter role 
			 Dauphin 2 Winching and operations to NATO ships 
			 Bell 212 7 Utility 
			 Bell 412 15 Utility 
			 Squirrel 37 Flying training 
			 Agusta A109E Power 3 Communications flight/VIP

Equal Pay

Nick Brown: To ask the Minister for Women what the gender pay gap was for part-time employees in  (a) the public sector and  (b) the private sector in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Harriet Harman: I have been asked to reply
	In 2006, the gender pay gap for part-time employees was 39.3 per cent. in the public sector and 44.1 per cent. in the private sector. This is the gap between the median hourly pay, excluding overtime, of men working full-time and women working part- time, taken from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings.

Females: Criminal Proceedings

Lynne Jones: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what recent discussions she has had with colleagues in the Ministry of Justice on implementing the recommendations of the Corston report.

Harriet Harman: I have been asked to reply
	In drafting my Command Paper 7183 Priorities for the Ministers for Women I consulted with the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice on women offenders and women at risk. Officials from the Women and Equality Unit are working with the Ministry of Justice and other Government Departments on a joined up Government response to Baroness Corston's report.

Public Sector: Equal Pay

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what progress is being made to ensure equal pay for women working in the public sector.

Harriet Harman: I have been asked to reply
	Since 1997, the gender pay gap in the public sector has fallen by five percentage points and now stands at nine per cent. based on median, full-time hourly pay.
	The public sector gender equality duty, which came into force in April, includes a requirement for public authorities to set out their overall gender equality objectives and to consider the need to have objectives to address the causes of any differences between the pay of men and women related to their sex.
	The Public Services Forum (PSF), set up to promote dialogue between Government, trade unions and employers on public service workforce reform issues, has agreed to consider the Government's Action Plan Implementing the Women and Work Commission recommendations at its next meeting in October, and to discuss the links between increasing women's access to wider career options, flexible reward systems and equal pay. The Government's commitment on fair and equal pay is embedded within the PSF Pay and Reward Principles.
	The Government continue to monitor equal pay across the public sector.

Dental Services: Finance

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding was allocated for providing general dental services (GDS) and personal dental services (PDS) dentistry in 2006-07 net of patient charge income; and how much was spent on GDS and PDS dentistry in 2006-07.

Alan Johnson: The total funding allocation for primary dental care services in England in 2006-07, and provisional data on expenditure on those services by primary care trusts (PCTs), is set out in the following table. Primary dental care services comprise general dental and personal dental services commissioned by PCTs from independent dental providers and national health service trusts, and salaried dental services managed directly by PCTs.
	
		
			  Primary dental care services funding, England, 2006-07 
			   £ million 
			 Primary dental service allocation, net of patient charge income 1,764.7 
			 Primary care trust expenditure on primary dental care services, net of patient charge income (1)1,738.7 
			 (1 )Provisional data  Source:  Locally audited PCT summarisation schedules, 2006/07, but data is subject to further audit and checking by the Department of Health and by the National Audit Office.

Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust: Waiting Lists

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in the Gloucestershire primary care trust (PCT) had waited longer than 18 weeks between general practitioner referral and hospital treatment in each quarter since the PCT's establishment.

Alan Johnson: Information on the number of patients for Gloucestershire primary care trust (PCT) who had waited longer than 18 weeks since the PCT's establishment in October 2006 is provided in the following table.
	
		
			  Referral to treatment (RTT) data for admitted patients for Gloucestershire PCT 
			  Month  Number of admitted patients treated over 18 weeks  Percentage admitted patients treated over 18 weeks  Data completeness assessment (percentage) 
			 January 2007 1,071 48 n/a 
			 February 2007 897 47 n/a 
			 March 2007 1,207 51 87 
			 April 2007 909 45 86 
			 May 2007 964 43 87 
			 June 2007 1,068 48 91 
			 n/a = not available.  Notes: 1. RTT data was not collected centrally prior to January 2007. 2. Data relates to admitted patients only, i.e. patients whose 18 week pathway ended with an in-patient/day case admission. 3. A data completeness assessment is published alongside the reported RTT figures each month in order to aid interpretation of this relatively new set of data. The measure compares the number of pathways reported against an existing data collection. Nationally, data completeness was at 70 per cent. for June 2007. 4. Data for non-admitted patients (patients whose 18 week pathway did not end with an in-patient/day case admission) has been collected since April 2007 but is not yet published.  Source: Monthly RTT data collection (published)

Northwick Park Hospital: Maternal Mortality

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the conclusions of the Healthcare Commission were on the contributory factors to maternal deaths at Northwick Park following the merger with Central Middlesex; and how many births there were at Northwick Park  (a) before and  (b) after the merger.

Alan Johnson: The findings of the Healthcare Commission into the maternity deaths at Northwick Park have been placed in the Library and are available on the Healthcare Commission's website:
	www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/_db/_documents/Northwick _tagged.pdf
	The information requested on the number of births at Northwick Park before and after the merger with Central Middlesex Hospital NHS Trust is not held centrally. However, the amount of births at North West London Hospital NHS Trust since 1999 is shown in the following table. Data was not provided in 2001-02 due to data issues associated with this Trust.
	
		
			  Count of finished consultant (birth) episodes at North West London Hospital NHS Trust 1999-2006 
			   Birth Episodes 
			 2005-06 5,041 
			 2004-05 5,568 
			 2003-04 5,272 
			 2002-03 4,863 
			 2001-02 (1)— 
			 2000-01 3,722 
			 1999-2000 5,145 
			 (1) Data not available due to data quality issues   Notes:  A finished consultant episode is defined as a period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Please note that the figures do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have had more than one episode of care within the year.   Source:  Hospital Episode Statistics

Worthing Hospital: Maternity Services

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health where Worthing hospital maternity service is positioned in the national rates of still births and neonatal mortality; and how many qualified consultants' hours were available to Worthing hospital maternity service per week in the latest period for which figures are available.

Alan Johnson: We have not calculated a national league table of rates of stillbirths by hospital. However, we can say that the rates of stillbirths and neonatal deaths at Worthing hospital are much lower than the rates for England and Wales. The following table shows number and rate for stillbirths and neonatal deaths in England and Wales and at Worthing Hospital.
	
		
			  Stillbirths number and rate, 2005 (latest year available) 
			   Number  Rate( 1) 
			 England and Wales 3,483 5.4 
			 Worthing Hospital 7 2.9 
		
	
	
		
			  Neonatal deaths number and rate, 2002-05( 2) 
			   Number  Rate( 3) 
			 England and Wales 8,826 3.5 
			 Worthing Hospital 7 0.7 
			 (1) Per 1,000 live and still births.  (2) It is not possible to provide number of neonatal deaths in Worthing hospital for 2005 alone because of the risk of disclosing individual's information due to the very small of deaths.  (3) Per 1,000 live births. 
		
	
	Neonatal survival rates of very preterm babies has improved over the past 10 years. In 2005, the rate stillbirth rate was 5.4. We are funding research linked to premature births from the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit. Some parts of this research have received additional funding from agencies such as the Medical Research Council. A simple guideline from National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is being used to help interpret monitoring in labour to identify babies at risk—such babies are then delivered as early as possible.
	Data on how many qualified consultants' hours were available to Worthing hospital maternity service per week is not held centrally.

Higher Education: Business

Don Touhig: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what steps are being taken to encourage co-operation between universities and business.

Bill Rammell: The Department has a policy of encouraging higher education institutions (HEIs) to increase their interaction with business and with employers generally.
	The Higher Education Innovation Fund, which provides funding to all HEIs in England is a key incentive. Funding for this programme has increased from £187 million for the two academic years 2004/05-2005/06 to £238 million for 2006/07-2007/08, The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has allocated £60 million of its research funding in 2007/08 by reference to research grants and contracts from business.
	HEFCE also fund a range of projects that are helping to identify, respond to, and increase employer demand for workforce development at HE-level, in line with its strategy for employer engagement and our plans for implementing the Leitch Review of Skills.

Higher Education: Innovation

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills whether his Department takes any measures to encourage social entrepreneurship at universities.

Bill Rammell: The Department is supporting social entrepreneurship by funding three initiatives, We provide financial support to the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship for its Flying Start programme which includes workshops aimed specifically at social entrepreneurs.
	Departmental funding is provided through the Higher Education Funding Council for England for 10 of the Higher Education Academy's subject centres to encourage and teach entrepreneurship as part of existing HE courses.
	The Department also funds the Higher Education Funding Council for England to support two Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (the Institute for Enterprise and the White Rose Centre) both of which support enterprise education communities.

Vocational Training: Leeds

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills whether he plans to commission research on skills deficiencies and training needs within the Leeds West constituency in the light of the Leitch Report; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: The Department does not plan to commission any such research. However, the Regional Skills Partnership for Yorkshire and the Humber will shortly be undertaking an analysis of skill needs and demand for skills across the region.

Burglaries: Surrey

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of those convicted for a burglary committed in Surrey in each of the last five years were sentenced to a custodial sentence; and how many were under 21 years when convicted.

Michael Wills: Data showing the proportion of those convicted for a burglary committed in Surrey from 2001 to 2005 who received a custodial sentence is shown in the following table. Data is provided for all ages and for defendants aged under 21 years when convicted.
	
		
			  Number of defendants found guilty at all courts and given custodial sentences for burglary in Surrey, broken down by age, 2001 to 2005( 1, 2) 
			   2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			 Found guilty—all ages 206 197 188 231 225 
			 Found guilty—aged  under 21 88 69 78 82 90 
			 Number found guilty given a custodial sentence—all ages 109 88 73 102 84 
			 Number found guilty given a custodial sentence—aged under 21 30 19 20 17 20 
			 Percentage of those found guilty given a custodial sentence—all ages 53 45 39 44 37 
			 Percentage of those found guilty given a custodial sentence—aged under 21 34 28 26 21 22 
			 (1) These data are on the principal offence basis.  (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.   Source:  Court proceedings database held by RDS—Office for Criminal Justice Reform, Ministry of Justice.

Electronic Conveyancing

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he is taking to prevent the emergence of a monopoly in the provision of e-conveyancing through the chain matrix system.

Michael Wills: Land Registry is empowered by primary legislation under the Land Registration Act 2002 to create the Chain Matrix as the system by which e-conveyancing, a statutory service, is accessed. As such, land registry is not obliged to offer alternative methods of access or service delivery. Chain Matrix itself, however, is not a unique product within the market as there are other types of electronic property sale tracking systems operating at present. As such, the monopoly question does not apply.

Home Detention Curfews

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prisoners were released early under the home detention curfew scheme in each of the last five years; and for which offences those released had been convicted.

David Hanson: Figures on the numbers of prisoners released on home detention curfew from prison establishments in England and Wales between 2001 and 2005 can be found in the following table:
	
		
			  Home detention curfew release( 1)  by offence group( 2) 
			  Offence Group( 1)  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			 Violence 2,854 3,693 3,564 3,159 3,204 
			 Sexual offences 17 20 8 1 2 
			 Robbery 631 916 1,257 961 901 
			 Burglary 1,072 2,022 2,066 1,677 1,298 
			 Theft and handling 1,771 2,797 2,817 2,629 2,107 
			 Fraud and forgery 1,149 1,262 1,133 1,226 1,287 
			 Drug offences 2,219 2,683 2,782 2,422 2,509 
			 Motoring offences 1,500 3,801 4,158 3,877 3,046 
			 Other(2) 2,464 3,331 3,438 3,343 2,942 
			 (1) Offence recorded on Prison Service IT system. Investigations suggest that around 5 per cent. of offence types recorded on this system do not relate to the offence they were released on HOC for but relate to offences committed after release from prison and before the licence expiry date for their sentence. (2) Includes the offence of bigamy. 
		
	
	The table has been drawn from published figures in annual volumes of Prison Statistics in England and Wales, and Offender Management Caseload Statistics.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

Reoffenders: Sentencing

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many people in England and Wales were sentenced for second serious offences covered by s.2 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 to a sentence of  (a) life imprisonment,  (b) a determinate period of imprisonment and  (c) a non-custodial sentence in each year since 1998;
	(2)  how many people in England and Wales were sentenced for a second class A drug trafficking offence covered by s.3 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 to a sentence of  (a) seven or more years imprisonment,  (b) imprisonment of less than seven years and  (c) a non-custodial sentence in each year since 1998;
	(3)  how many people in England and Wales were sentenced for a third domestic burglary offence covered by s.3 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 to a sentence of  (a) seven or more years imprisonment,  (b) imprisonment of less than seven years and  (c) a non-custodial sentence in each year since 1998.

David Hanson: The data held centrally are not in a format to allow us to answer these questions completely. We are able to answer part  (a) for questions 155207 and 155209, we are unable to answer parts  (b) and  (c) for all three questions. We are able to give the following information, for total number of persons sentenced for:
	(i) life for a second serious offence
	(ii) minimum seven years for a third class A drug trafficking
	(iii) Minimum three years for a third domestic burglary since 2000 please see as follows (table 2.6 of 'Sentencing Statistics, England and Wales').
	
		
			  Table 2.6: Persons sentenced under the Powers of the Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000, 2000-05—England and Wales 
			  Number of persons 
			   Section 109  Section 110  Section 111 
			   Life for second serious offence  Minimum seven years for third class A drug trafficking offence  Minimum three years for third domestic burglary 
			 2000 57 2 — 
			 2001 51 1 6 
			 2002 44 — 2 
			 2003 48 3 13 
			 2004 47 4 46 
			 2005 (1)43 3 89 
			 (1) Section 109 was replaced in April 2005 by sentences of imprisonment for public protection. Figures therefore relate to offences committed prior to that date. 
		
	
	Also available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs07/hosb0307.pdf
	Although care is taken in collating and analysing the returns used to compile these figures, the data are of necessity subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale recording system. Consequently, although figures are shown to the last digit in order to provide a comprehensive record of the information collected, they are not necessarily accurate to the last digit shown.

Public Participation

Mark Harper: To ask the Prime Minister by what method jurors would be selected for service on a citizens' jury; and how that method would ensure that jurors were representative of their local community.

Gordon Brown: I refer the hon. Member to the press briefing given by my spokesman on 3 September 2007. A transcript of this is available on the No. 10 website (http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page13023.asp), and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House.

Overseas Aid: Standards

James Duddridge: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which of the indicators for the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness his Department is not on target for; when he expects his Department to meet those targets; and by what means.

Douglas Alexander: The 2006 OECD-DAC survey results showed that DFID has either already met or is on target to meeting all the Paris Declaration targets at a corporate level by the 2010 deadline. When analysed at country level however, performance is more variable. Key areas where DFID will need to make improvements are:
	(i) Reporting aid on budget;
	(ii) Predictability; and
	(iii) Use of programme-based approaches.
	The DAC survey results and our own internal analysis have been used to update our UK DFID medium-term action plan on aid effectiveness. This includes actions across the organisation to improve aid effectiveness at country level, corporately and through our role as shareholders in the multi-lateral organisations.

Immigration Controls: Health Professions

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether consultation with overseas doctors will take place before any future changes in immigration rules relating to opportunities for overseas doctors within the NHS.

Jacqui Smith: In deciding whether to consult on specific immigration rules changes in the future, the Home Office will act entirely in accordance with the Cabinet Office's Code of Practice on Consultation, which makes it clear that Ministers have discretion on whether or not to conduct a formal written consultation exercise on particular proposals.
	Notwithstanding this point and mindful of the concern expressed by a number of organisations regarding the changes to Immigration rules announced in April 2006, by the then Leader of the House, 19 April 2007,  Official Report, columns 447-48, undertook to hold a Government debate on this subject as and when parliamentary time allows.

Departments: Departmental Coordination

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what  (a) ministerial committees and  (b) permanent groups involving senior civil servants have been set up by her Department to liaise with the Ministers for Women.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government sits on numerous ministerial committees, including a number of committees with the Minister for Women. A list of committees and the ministerial membership is available on the Cabinet Office website:
	http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/secretariats/committees/index.asp.
	In addition, the Government Equalities Office, who support the Minister for Women, are represented on the following CLG senior civil servant-led groups:
	the Community Empowerment Programme Board; and
	Race and Cohesion Strategy Board.

Departments: Public Bodies

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what powers her Department has with regard to each of its non-departmental public bodies, executive agencies and the Government offices for the English regions to  (a) grant and withdraw delegated personnel responsibilities,  (b) oversee and control the exercise of delegated personnel responsibilities (including those for pay) and  (c) ensure compliance with all equality legislation.

Parmjit Dhanda: For the Department's executive NDPBs and executive agencies, delegated personnel responsibilities were granted either in founding legislation or in framework documents approved by Ministers setting out roles and responsibilities. While Ministers ultimately have the right to withdraw delegated personnel responsibilities, as these entities were established to operate at arm's-length of Ministers and the core Department there would be little justification for doing so. Ministers oversee and control the exercise of delegated personnel responsibilities for such bodies by having right of approval over staff terms and conditions, pay and grading proposals and annual pay remits, delegated by the Chief Secretary to HM Treasury. Equalities legislation applies to such bodies in the same way that it does to any other public body, and they are obliged to comply as appropriate.
	The Secretary of State has been formally delegated responsibility to determine the terms and conditions of staff in the Government offices for the regions outside the senior civil service, including their remuneration, by the Minister for the Civil Service in accordance with the Civil Service (Management Functions) Act 1992. She exercises this responsibility in the same manner as she does for other staff in her Department.

East of England Development Agency: Publications

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) quarterly and  (b) annual cost was of producing and distributing the East of England Development Agency magazine Source in the latest period for which figures are available.

Parmjit Dhanda: EEDA produce four editions a year at approximate costs rounded up of £12,000 per edition.
	For July 2006 to March 2007 (four editions) the cost for; design, print and distribution was £47,857.63.

Flood Control: Expenditure

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much of the £14 million relief package promised by the Prime Minister for those areas affected by the recent flooding has so far been dispensed, broken down by recipient; and for what purpose each recipient received money.

Parmjit Dhanda: On 7 July the Prime Minister announced a £14 million package of immediate support to help local authorities and communities in flood hit areas.
	The package comprises of three elements:
	£10 million Flood Recovery Grant scheme from Communities and Local Government for the hardest hit local authorities in flood affected areas;
	£3 million from Department for Transport to meet claims from local authorities for help with the cost of repairing roads and bridges; and
	£1 million which can be drawn on as contingency reserve by the Department of Work and Pensions for use by Jobcentre Plus to support additional demand for Social Fund Community Care Grants.
	£10 million in Flood Recovery Grant has already been released to local authorities affected by the June Floods to support their work in helping those in greatest and most immediate need get back on their feet. Thirty nine authorities in total received a payment under the June scheme (full details on the grant paid is available on the CLG website www.communities.gov.uk/floodrecovery). Local authorities have been awarded this grant on the basis of the relative number of households affected (based on available information at the time). It is up to the local authorities to spend the money how they wish in line with local priorities.
	The Department for Transport (DFT) has appointed consultants who will work with authorities and advise on the preparation of claims for emergency capital funding support for repairs to bridges and roads. Some work will require detailed assessments to be carried out, which are likely to take authorities a short while. Consequently, no money has yet been distributed. Initial estimates for the local authorities affected by the June and July floods have been requested by 17 September 2007. However authorities are encouraged not to delay urgent remedial work. The cost of repairs will not be excluded from consideration because they proceeded a claim.
	As of 7 September, the Department for Work and Pensions had paid Community Care Grants totalling £653,000 to people on qualifying benefits to meet the cost of replacing essential household items. Community Care Grants are non repayable grants to help to support vulnerable people living in the community. For example they can help people remain in the community rather than enter care or to ease exceptional pressures on families. An applicant must be in receipt of income support, income based job seekers allowance or pension credit.
	
		
			  Community Care Grant—as of 7 September 2007 
			  Region  Number of applications  Number of payments made  Total cost (£) 
			 Yorkshire and Humber 1,562 1,112 631,377.87 
			 South East 18 13 7,705.69 
			 South West 42 32 13,842.97 
			 Total 1,622 1,157 652,926.53

Home Information Packs: Finance

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar of 26 June 2007,  Official Report, column 633W, on Home Information Packs: Finance, what the financial value is of the additional resources provided to local authority trading standard departments in England in year 2007-08.

Yvette Cooper: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 26 June 2007,  Official Report, column 633W.

Housing

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government  (a) what the lower quartile price was for new dwellings sold,  (b) how many new houses were built and  (c) how many new affordable houses were built in (i) each Government region and (ii) nationally in 2006.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 10 September 2007
	Data on  (a) the lower quartile house price for new dwellings sold,  (b) the number of new homes built and  (c) the number of new affordable homes built in each government office region and for England is presented in the following table. Affordable housing supply figures are available by financial year only.
	
		
			   (a) LQ house price for new dwellings sold in 2006( 1 ) (£)  (b) Total number of new homes built in 2006( 2)  (c) Number of new homes built in 2005-06 which are classified as affordable( 3,4) 
			 North East 122,075 7,658 945 
			 North West 123,995 18,563 2,036 
			 Yorkshire and The Humber 119,995 15,490 1,758 
			 East Midlands 122,950 16,906 2,532 
			 West Midlands 126,000 14,873 3,758 
			 East 152,950 21,617 4,155 
			 London 208,218 20,472 7,016 
			 South East 169,000 26,985 6,894 
			 South West 141,500 18,197 3,995 
			 England 137,000 160,761 33,089 
			 (1) Source: HM Land Registry (2) Source: National House Building Council, local authorities P2 returns (3) Source: Housing Corporation, local authorities P2 returns, private developers (4) Affordable housing includes both social rent and intermediate housing (e.g. low cost home ownership). 
		
	
	In addition to the numbers of new build affordable homes shown in the table above a further 11,834 affordable homes were supplied through the acquisition of dwellings from the private sector stock.

Housing: Cornwall

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate she has made of the average age of first time house buyers in  (a) the West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives,  (b) Cornwall and  (c) each Government region in each region since 1997, broken down by sex.

Parmjit Dhanda: Data on First Time Buyers (FTBs) is available from the regulated mortgage survey which is supplied to Communities and Local Government by the Council of Mortgage Lenders. However due to a small sample size data on the average age of FTBs UK level is unreliable. The gender split is unavailable.
	The average age of FTBs at the UK level is available on the Council of Mortgage Lenders website at http://www.cml.org.uk/cml/filegrab/2ML2.xls?ref=4624 These figures are in the following table.
	
		
			   Median age of first time buyers, UK 
			 1997 29 
			 1998 29 
			 1999 30 
			 2000 30 
			 2001 30 
			 2002 31 
			 2003 31 
			 2004 31 
			 2005 30 
			 2006 29 
			 Source:  CML

Housing: Low Incomes

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what minimum equity stake must be purchased under the  (a) Social Homebuy,  (b) New Build Homebuy and  (c) Open Market Homebuy schemes; and what plans her Department has to amend the level of these stakes.

Yvette Cooper: The minimum equity stake which can be purchased under  (a) Social Homebuy and New Build Homebuy is 25 per cent.
	Under  (c) purchasers buy a property outright supported by an equity loan for up to 25 per cent. of the property's value.
	In June of this year the Housing Corporation launched a competition for private investors to join the 2008-11 round of Open Market Homebuy, and they have received initial expressions of interest. Proposals include products which allow buyers to purchase as little as 50 per cent. of a home chosen on the open market.
	We also want to offer more social tenants the opportunity to buy a share in their home and will be considering whether we should offer smaller shares to improve affordability. We will announce proposals later this year as part of our response to John Hills' review of social housing.

Housing: Low Incomes

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many foreign nationals were granted a social housing tenancy in each of the last 10 years.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 10 September 2007
	 Information on social dwellings owned by  (a) local councils and  (b) registered social landlords which are allocated to non-British citizens is collected in the Continuous Recording of Lettings form (CORE). This data is collected on behalf of Communities and Local Government and the Housing Corporation by the Centre for Housing Research at the University of St. Andrews. A question was added for the 2006-07 collection period to obtain information on the nationality of the tenant.
	Using CORE data, the Department has estimated around 5 per cent. of general needs lettings made to new social housing tenants between April and December 2006 were to foreign nationals. We estimate this was equivalent to around 10,000 general needs lettings to new social housing tenants in 2005-06 being made to foreign nationals.

Housing: Middlesbrough

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many people in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland have received assistance under the Homebuy scheme.

Yvette Cooper: The Homebuy scheme was launched in April 2006. Provisional figures for 2006-07 show that 27 homes were completed under the New Build Homebuy scheme in the Middlesbrough council area and none in Redcar and Cleveland borough council. No purchases were made under Open Market Homebuy in either Middlesbrough or Redcar and Cleveland in 2006-07.
	In addition Middlesbrough benefited from two sales under Right to Acquire and one through a Social Homebuy pilot scheme. Redcar and Cleveland also benefited through 16 Right to Acquire sales.
	This information is not available on a constituency basis.
	For the remainder of 2007-08, we are making changes to the Open Market Homebuy product to offer purchasers greater choice and improve affordability.
	From 23 July we are offering a new 17.5 per cent. Government equity loan product, which purchasers will be able to use more flexibly as a deposit and take to any lender on the open market. This will complement the existing scheme of a 12.5 per cent. equity loan matched by a 12.5 per cent. equity loan form one of four mortgage lenders.

Housing: Midlands

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate she has made of the number of new homes to be built as part of the Milton Keynes and South Midlands spatial strategy which will be occupied by migrant workers from the European Union in  (a) total,  (b) Northamptonshire and  (c) Wellingborough.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Milton Keynes South Midlands Sub Regional Strategy (MKSM SRS) sets out clear targets for the delivery of housing across the growth area. The strategy does not set levels of housing for any specific groups. Housing market assessments have also been carried out for North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire to identify areas of housing need. The assessments initial conclusions acknowledge that migration will indeed influence the pace of housing growth but given patterns of movement within the labour market it is inherently difficult to predict accurate figures for the number and requirement of housing for migrant workers in the county.
	Given the growth plans in Northamptonshire, additional employment opportunities for migrant workers are likely to be created in future and the growth presents an opportunity for migrants in terms of work and housing opportunities.
	Provision of housing for migrant workers is dealt with at a local level and local authority housing providers will work to build on the initial information provided in the reports previously referred to in order to determine future housing need for migrant workers.

Land: Databases

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Surrey Heath of 25 June 2007,  Official Report, column 171W, on Land: Databases, if she will place in the Library a copy of the documentation relating to the validation service the Valuation Office Agency provides for local authority IT suppliers.

John Healey: The VOA validation service for IT suppliers to local authorities on Valuebill developments is delivered by an external contractor. The terms are commercially sensitive and confidential.

Local Government Finance

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many local authorities listed increased revenue from  (a) parking fines and  (b) fly-tipping fines as an efficiency gain in their annual efficiency returns to her Department.

John Healey: Our guidance (available at www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1508167) makes clear that the monetary sum of fines collected should not be counted as an efficiency gains in annual efficiency statements.

Planning Permission: Cornwall

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 24 July 2007,  Official Report, columns 968-9W, on planning permission: Cornwall, what quarterly aggregated statistics her Department collects; what the results are on a  (a) Cornwall-wide and  (b) national level in each of the last five years; and where data for individual planning applications is collected.

Iain Wright: holding answer 10 September 2007
	The department currently collects 150 items of data on development control from local and county planning authorities. Key information on decisions taken on planning permissions during the last five years are given in the table as follows:
	
		
			  Number of planning applications decided and percentage granted: 2002-03 to 2006-07 
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			  Cornwall( 1)  
			 Major decisions 210 200 290 300 320 
			 Percentage granted 65 71 72 74 78 
			 Minor decisions 3,500 3,990 4,180 4,050 3,910 
			 Percentage granted 78 77 74 77 81 
			 Other decisions 7,050 7,570 7,670 6,480 6,620 
			 Percentage granted 84 83 81 81 83 
			   
			  England  
			 Major decisions 14,730 16,750 18,830 19,610 19,260 
			 Percentage granted 81 78 75 75 75 
			 Minor decisions 144,010 152,070 160,860 157,350 151,120 
			 Percentage granted 81 78 76 76 76 
			 Other decisions 426,810 455,930 465,630 421,740 417,030 
			 Percentage granted 83 82 81 80 80 
			 (1 )Consists of Restormel. Carrick, Caradon, Penwith, Kerrier and North Cornwall planning authorities.  Source:  Communities and Local Government General Development Control Returns, PS1/PS2. 
		
	
	More detailed information is published by the department and can be accessed at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planningbuilding/planningstatistics/statisticsplanning/-quarterly statistics;
	and
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planningbuilding/planningstatistics/developmentcontrolstatistics/-annual statistics

Regional Planning and Development: South West Region

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what representations the Minister for the South West has made to  (a) the Department for (i) Transport, (ii) Health, (iii) Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, (iv) Communities and Local Government, (v) Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and (vi) Work and Pensions and  (b) the Wales Office regarding (A) the interests of the South West in the formulation of central government policy and (B) the development of the single regional strategy;
	(2)  what discussions the Minister for the South West has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and HM Treasury on the comprehensive spending review.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Minister for the South West has had discussions with a range of ministerial colleagues and others on issues impacting on the region.

Regional Planning and Development: South West Region

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the Minister for the South West's most recent assessment is of the priorities for the South West.

Parmjit Dhanda: The priorities for the South West are the provision of more affordable housing and infrastructure improvements which will ensure the region's economy continue to grow at the rate it has over the last 10 years.

Thames Gateway: Finance

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the budget was for the Thames Gateway project in each year since its inception, broken down by main budget heading.

Yvette Cooper: The information is as follows:
	
		
			  TG Budgets Resource 
			  £ million 
			   Consumption  Capital 
			 2003-04 3 (1)21.6 
			 2004-05 8.2 (2)139.5 
			 2005-06 12.5 (3)149 
			 2006-07 17 130 
			 2007-08 23 155 
			 (1 )Including £12.4 million resource investment  (2 )Including £18.5 million resource investment  (3 )Including £23.8 million resource investment 
		
	
	Since 2003 central Government has invested over £7 billion in to the Gateway for major infrastructure, roads, schools, and other facilities, as well as project funding provided by the Department. The Gateway also benefits from the £1.8 billion public sector contribution to the channel tunnel rail link enabling international services via Ebbsfleet from 14 November this year, and domestic services from 2009.

Casinos: Applications

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many new applications for casinos made under the Gambling Act 1968 were made in 2006; and how many have been made in 2007.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Between 1 January 2006 and 28 April 2006, the Gambling Commission received 55 applications for certificates of consent for new casinos under the Gaming Act 1968.
	From 28 April 2006, the Gambling Commission could no longer accept applications under the Gaming Act 1968 Act for certificates of consent in respect of new casinos.
	Where a certificate of consent is issued, operators can then apply to the local licensing authority for a casino licence. For applications made under the Gaming Act 1968 the local licensing authority in England and Wales is the Local Licensing Justices and in Scotland it is the Local Licensing Board. There is no guarantee that the grant of a certificate of consent will result in a casino licence being granted. If a local licensing authority turns down an application for a licence an operator can appeal.

Cricket: Floods

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much Sport England has given to cricket clubs affected by flood damage during the summer 2007; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Sport England funding supports projects which provide new capacity/provision rather than like for like repair or maintenance projects. However, funding from the National Sports Foundation, managed on behalf of the Government by Sport England, may support repairs of this nature; but will take into account all proceeds from insurance cover. To date no applications of this nature have been received.

Gambling

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the proposal to include a helpline number on all gambling adverts shown in the UK; whether he plans such a service to be promoted in the future; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 10 September 2007
	I welcome any steps the gambling industry takes to advertise in a socially responsible way. I am pleased that the British gambling industry has adopted a voluntary code for socially responsible advertising which requires the inclusion of a 'signpost' to the Responsibility in Gambling Trust's (RiGT) public awareness website, www.gambleaware.co.uk'. It is up to advertisers if they wish also to include an appropriate helpline number for problem gamblers. I understand that RiGT is currently assessing the effectiveness of phone helplines in raising public awareness of gambling issues and I look forward to seeing the results of their work.

Sport and Recreation Division: Manpower

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many members of staff his Department allocates to the Sport and Recreation Division; how much time they spend on  (a) direct ministerial support,  (b) non-departmental public body support and  (c) policy development; how many have experience in project management; how many have experience in contract writing; and what the total administration costs of the Sport and Recreation Division were in the last financial year.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 10 September 2007
	There are currently 37 posts allocated to Sports Division. Of the current staff in post, 29 have experience of project management while four have experience of contract writing. This small number of staff is due to the fact that all formal contract writing is undertaken by the Procurement and Property Services Team in the Department's Human and Business Resources Division. On time spent on Policy Development, Ministerial Support and NDPB Support it is estimated that, 35 per cent. of total staff time is spent on Policy Development, 35 per cent. of time is spent on direct ministerial support while 30 per cent. is spent on NDPB support. The total administration cost for Sport Division in 2006-07 was £1.6 million.

Sports: Transport

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the proportion of people who live within 20 minutes of a good multi-sport facility; which mode of transport was used in calculating this figure; what the average distance covered in this time was for the purposes of the calculation; how this target has been assessed; what plans he has to monitor the targets; and what definition his Department uses of a good multi-sport facility.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 10 September 2007
	For the purposes of this commitment the Government; have defined 'multi-sport' as access to at least two different sports facilities that are most in demand. In relation to 'good quality' there is no single nationally recognised measure that can be applied to all sports facilities. However, the Active Places sports facilities database (the main tool for measuring the commitment), holds information about the age of facilities and length of time since last refurbishment. We are using these figures as the measure of quality.
	Using the Active Places database Sport England are undertaking strategic mapping of the nation's sports facilities and we know that over 90 per cent. of people in England are within 20 minutes travel time of at least two different sports facilities that are most in demand by the public (swimming pools, playing fields, synthetic turf pitches, health and fitness centres, sports halls and golf courses). We know that, of the built sports facilities listed on Active Places: pools, halls, health and fitness and synthetic turf pitches, 65 per cent. have been built or refurbished in the last 10 years. We expect to see these positive figures maintained in future years.
	The Government take the view that those in urban areas should be within 20 minutes walking distance of a multi-sport environment, while those in rural areas should be within 20 minutes driving distance by car. Urban and rural areas are defined using the "Rural and Urban Area Classification 2004: Introductory Guide", which was jointly published by The Countryside Agency, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Office for National Statistics, and the Welsh Assembly Government. The rural road travel times are based on the average road speeds derived from the Integrated Transport Network produced by Ordnance Survey. The urban walking catchments are based on a straight line 1.34 km distance.

Floods: Worcestershire

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assistance has been given to rural communities in Worcestershire to assist them following the July floods, with particular reference to support for  (a) Worcestershire County Cricket Club and  (b) Evesham Rowing; and what arrangements have been made to help Worcestershire's farming community.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 10 September 2007
	 I have been asked to reply.
	In total £1,349,500 in Flood Recovery Grant, paid by the Department for Communities and Local Government to support flood affected communities, has been awarded to the district councils in Worcestershire county council. The details of these payments are set out as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
			  District council  Original FRG Round 1  13 July 2007  Original FRG Round 2  20 July 2007  Extended FRG Round 1  16 August 2007  Extended FRG Round 2  24 August 2007  Total 
			 Bromsgrove 0 0 20,000 3,000 23,000 
			 Malvern Hills 50,000 10,000 200,000 50,000 310,000 
			 Redditch 0 0 11,500 11,500 23,000 
			 Worcester 0 0 50,000 10,000 60,000 
			 Wychavon 0 0 600,000 23,500 623,500 
			 Wyre Forest 100,000 0 160,000 50,000 310,000 
			 Total 150,000 10,000 1,041,500 148,000 1,349,500 
		
	
	The regional development agency with responsibility for Worcestershire—Advantage West Midlands (AWM)—has a general £2 million flooding recovery package and has also established a £1 million flooded areas recovery programme to assist the recovery of particularly badly flooded areas. Worcestershire has been allocated £600,000 of capital funds for infrastructure repairs under this scheme.
	AWM are supporting businesses, including farmers, affected by flooding through Business Link West Midlands, with a team of more than 40 advisers offering up to five days free business advice to help restart the estimated 1,000-plus flood-hit businesses in the region. Business Link may be able to offer up to £2,500 worth of subsidised consultancy to help companies devise a flood recovery plan.
	Additionally, a flood recovery loan for companies that have carried out recovery plans has been set up, offering loans of up to £20,000 over two years where companies are unable to get all of the finance they need from their own and mainstream commercial sources.
	In term of the specific projects mentioned:
	AWM have been in contact with Worcestershire Cricket Club over sponsorship and marketing support for events planned to raise income for the club.
	A project is being developed with Evesham Riverside to restore the overall attractiveness of the area and to remove debris to open up the navigation of the river so that boats can start to reuse it.

Water Charges: Low Incomes

Linda Gilroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many successful applications there were for the vulnerable groups tariff in each of the water and water and sewerage companies in England in  (a) 2004-05 and  (b) 2005-06.

Phil Woolas: holding answer 10 September 2007
	Ofwat, the economic regulator of the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales, collects data on the number of households receiving assistance under the Vulnerable Groups Regulations, which are set out in the water companies' annual June returns.
	The vulnerable groups tariff, under the Water Industry (Charges) (Vulnerable Groups) Regulations 1999, apply to metered customers who meet certain criteria to protect them from paying large water bills.
	The numbers of households in England granted assistance with their water bills in 2004-05 and 2005-06 by individual water, and water and sewerage companies are set out in the following table.
	
		
			   2004-05  2005-06 
			  Water and sewerage companies   
			 Anglian 682 719 
			 Dwr Cymru 319 426 
			 Northumbrian (North East and Essex and Suffolk) 483 672 
			 Severn Trent 916 1,223 
			 South West 1,645 2,962 
			 Southern 258 324 
			 Thames 1,323 1,780 
			 United Utilities 1,114 1,447 
			 Wessex 481 622 
			 Yorkshire 1,059 1,308 
			
			  Water only companies   
			 Bournemouth and W Hampshire 118 96 
			 Bristol 211 391 
			 Cambridge 81 97 
			 Dee Valley 10 16 
			 Folkestone and Dover 33 42 
			 Mid Kent 138 103 
			 Portsmouth 24 30 
			 South East 91 114 
			 South Staffordshire 39 139 
			 Sutton and East Surrey 38 64 
			 Tendring Hundred 313 328 
			 Three Valleys 251 284 
			
			 Industry 9,627 13,187

Departments: Flowers

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was spent by his Department on flowers in the last 12 months.

Angela Eagle: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given on 2 May 2007,  Official Report, column 1743W by the former Financial Secretary (John Healey).

Departments: ICT

Danny Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many IT contracts in his Department were put out to competitive tender in each year since 1997; how many bidders there were for each tender; and which company won each tender;
	(2)  what the  (a) estimated and  (b) actual (i) cost and (ii) duration was of each IT contract tendered out by his Department since 1997.

Andy Burnham: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer the former Financial Secretary (John Healey) gave the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) on 20 June 2007,  Official Report, column 1880W.

Departments: Taxis

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was spent by his Department on taxis in the last 12 months.

Angela Eagle: I refer to the answer the then Financial Secretary (Mr. Healey) gave on 28 June 2007,  Official Report, column 873W to the hon. Member for Rayleigh (Mr. Francois).

Foreign Workers

James Clappison: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of inward migrants to the UK intending to stay for 12 months or more who cited work-related purposes as the main reason for migration in each year for which figures are available; and how many work permit holders were given leave to enter the UK in each year that such data has been collected.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 10 September 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to respond on behalf of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to your question concerning the number of inward migrants to the UK intending to stay for 12 months or more who cited work-related purposes as the main reason for migration in each year for which figures are available; and how many work permit holders were given leave to enter the UK in each year that such data has been collected.
	The estimates of inward migration to the UK of those intending to stay 12 months or more are taken from the International Passenger Survey (IPS) and are shown in the attached table 1. The usual ONS definition of 'work related' includes those migrating for business reasons and au pairs, and those with 'a definite job to go to' are shown as a separate sub-category. The ONS definitions include a further category for those 'looking for work' which are not included in the 'work related' category but are shown here for completeness. The data are also broken down by British, European Union and non-EU citizens as work permits are only applicable to non-EU citizens.
	Work permit data from the Home Office is shown in the attached Table 2,
	
		
			  Table 1—International Migration: estimates from the International Passenger Survey time series 1991 to 2005  Citizenship by reason for migration inflow—United Kingdom 
			  Thousand 
			of which:  
			   Work-related( 1)  'Definite job' to go  Looking for work( 2) 
			  All citizenships
			 1991 40 25 15 
			 1992 39 28 19 
			 1993 40 24 26 
			 1994 50 38 44 
			 1995 50 44 — 
			 1996 64 55 40 
			 1997 60 50 39 
			 1998 80 73 55 
			 1999 90 72 61 
			 2000 105 86 53 
			 2001 120 106 47 
			 2002 102 96 59 
			 2003 110 95 57 
			 2004 139 116 72 
			 2005 148 140 76 
			  British
			 1991 14 12 8 
			 1992 16 15 10 
			 1993 15 11 18 
			 1994 21 21 29 
			 1995 21 21 — 
			 1996 19 19 22 
			 1997 21 21 25 
			 1998 25 23 29 
			 1999 25 25 30 
			 2000 28 28 30 
			 2001 27 27 24 
			 2002 25 25 29 
			 2003 20 19 25 
			 2004 15 15 22 
			 2005 21 21 25 
			  European Union
			 1991 11 5 2 
			 1992 7 3 2 
			 1993 7 5 — 
			 1994 10 8 7 
			 1995 14 12 — 
			 1996 26 21 6 
			 1997 15 14 3 
			 1998 27 26 6 
			 1999 25 20 8 
			 2000 25 21 2 
			 2001 29 23 3 
			 2002 18 16 6 
			 2003 24 23 11 
			 2004 52 42 13 
			 2005 63 62 26 
			  Non-European Union
			 1991 15 9 5 
			 1992 16 9 7 
			 1993 17 9 8 
			 1994 19 9 7 
			 1995 15 11 — 
			 1996 20 16 12 
			 1997 23 15 11 
			 1998 28 24 20 
			 1999 41 27 23 
			 2000 53 37 21 
			 2001 64 56 20 
			 2002 59 55 24 
			 2003 66 52 22 
			 2004 73 59 37 
			 2005 64 57 24 
			  Notes: 1. The ONS definition of 'work related' includes those with a 'definite job' to go to, au pairs and 'business' reasons but excludes those looking for work, diplomats, military personnel, merchant seaman and flight crews. 'Looking for work' is included separately. 2. 'Looking for work' is not included in the ONS definition of 'work related' but is shown for information. Data are not available for 1995. These are recorded under 'Other reasons for visit' which is not shown in the table. 3. Italicised estimates are not statistically robust (defined as standard error > 30%) but have been included for completeness. 4. Full details of country groupings are available in the Notes to tables section of International Migration Series MN no.32 (http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=507) 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2—Work permit holders and dependants given leave to enter, excluding EEA and Swiss nationals, 1991-2006 
			   All nationalities ( 1,2,3,4) 
			  Year of admission  Total  Employment for 12 months or more  Employment for less than 12 months( 5)  Dependants of work permit holders 
			 1991 46,920 11,060 21,740 14,120 
			 1992 51,140 9,940 26,320 14,890 
			 1993 48,000 9,350 24,520 14,130 
			 1994 47,500 10,200 23,000 14,300 
			 1995 52,100 11,700 26,100 14,300 
			 1996 58,200 11,400 29,400 17,400 
			 1997 62,975 16,270 27,385 19,320 
			 1998 68,385 20,160 28,020 20,205 
			 1999 76,180 25,090 28,445 22,645 
			 2000(6) 92,050 36,290 30,785 24,970 
			 2001(6) 108,825 50,280 30,785 27,760 
			 2002 120,115 51,525 34,095 34,495 
			 2003 119,180 44,480 36,870 37,830 
			 2004 124,200 42,235 40,420 41,545 
			 2005 137,035 51,165 40,350 45,520 
			 2006 145,120 57,540 39,060 48,515 
			 (1 )Includes nationals of Austria, Finland and Sweden before 1 January 1994, but excludes them from this date. (2) Includes nationals of Liechtenstein before 1 May 1995, but excludes them from this date. (3 )Includes nationals of Switzerland before 1 June 2002, but excludes them from this date. (4 )Includes nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia before 1 May 2004, but excludes them from this date. (5) Includes the majority of work permit trainees. (6 )A change in procedures may have resulted in some under-recording for the fourth quarter of 2000 and the first quarter of 2001. Data rounded to the nearest 5, as such the figures may not sum to the totals shown.  Source:  Home Office

Tobacco: Counterfeit Manufacturing

Colin Breed: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  pursuant to the answer of 17 July 2007,  Official Report, column 259W, on tobacco: counterfeit manufacturing, which tobacco companies already use the technology that is being introduced across the tobacco industry on their tobacco products, as of July 2007; and which tobacco companies will be introducing this as a new level of security on their tobacco products by October 2007 as part of the voluntary agreement;
	(2)  if he will publish the terms of the voluntary agreement made between HM Revenue and Customs and the tobacco industry in respect of introducing an anti-counterfeit solution to UK duty paid tobacco from October 2007.

Angela Eagle: Information about the companies currently using the anti-counterfeiting technology cannot be released as this could prejudice law enforcement efforts, the commercial interests of manufacturers and would breach HM Revenue and Customs' duty of confidentiality towards those companies.
	The agreement reached with the tobacco industry is that all cigarette packs intended for the UK duty paid market manufactured from October 2007 will incorporate a covert security mark, and packs of hand-rolling tobacco manufactured from October 2008 at the latest, will also incorporate a covert security mark. The agreement includes providing HMRC with the specialist equipment needed to test the authenticity of cigarette and hand-rolling tobacco packs.
	For security reasons, the nature of the technology the industry have agreed to introduce will not be published.